By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
LAWRENCE — After more than a decade at the helm, Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun has announced his plans to retire, effective May 1, 2017.
Mayor David Maffei announced Mr. Krawczun’s plans at Township Council’s Tuesday night meeting.
Mr. Krawczun has served as municipal manager since July 2005. He replaced former Municipal Manager William Guhl, who retired. Mr. Krawczun was hired in May 1994 to become the township’s chief financial officer.
In addition to serving as municipal manager, Mr. Krawczun serves as the chief financial officer, the director of Community Development, and the Public Safety director. Prior to working in Lawrence Township, he served as the director of finance and administration in Asbury Park.
Mayor Maffei’s announcement at the Township Council meeting led into a discussion as to how and when to begin the search for his successor. Township Council appoints the municipal manager.
It was decided that Mr. Krawczun would prepare a job description that lists his duties. Township Council is considering hiring a search firm, but would like some cost estimates. The goal is to start looking for a replacement now.
A search firm can provide an outsider’s viewpoint, Councilwoman Cathleen Lewis said. A search firm would be an objective observer. The firm could advise Township Council on the current state of the job market, and whether it should change its expectations for a successor manager.
“We have to figure this out,” Councilman Michael Powers said. Mr. Krawczun holds multiple jobs and plays multiple roles, he said. It may be that one person cannot handle all of the jobs that Mr. Krawczun holds, he added.
Mr. Krawczun offered some advice to Township Council. While the technical aspects of the job are important, so is an understanding of the culture of Lawrence Township municipal government — “to understand the way we do business,” he said.
Tuesday night, Township Council members praised Mr. Krawczun for his years of service.
“We truly appreciate you. You really had some big shoes to fill,” Mr. Powers said. He added that Mr. Krawczun’s contract only requires 90 days’ notice of his intention to resign or retire, but he gave more than the minimum notice.
Councilman Christopher Bobbitt also praised Mr. Krawczun, noting that Lawrence is a very quiet township. Its streets are plowed promptly in the winter and municipal property taxes are stable, he said. The councilman agreed that Mr. Krawczun’s successor should have some understanding of the culture of the township.
And Councilman Jim Kownacki said he could not thank Mr. Krawczun enough. It will be hard to find someone to fill Mr. Krawczun’s shoes, he said.
